One thing that I think works in 'Casablanca' and which I've lectured a lot about - in terms of what I've been trying to achieve as a designer - is the film's creation of its own form of reality.

One thing that I think works in 'Casablanca' and which I've lectured a lot about - in terms of what I've been trying to achieve as a designer - is the film's creation of its own form of reality.

I always wanted to design for films.

With Kubrick and most film directors, they are in complete control, but one can influence them.

I have never been sorry to see my sets being struck, provided they are well photographed. They're not works of art but part of making a film.

It takes courage to stay young, to make your enthusiasms work for you. Don't let anyone drag you down.

What I felt at that time - we're talking about '61 - was that I couldn't remember seeing a film that reflected the age we were living in.